Bangalore residents warm up as extended nightlife comes into effect

Bangalore: Nightlife is no longer the same in the country's IT hub. With the extended deadline from 11 pm till 1 am for bars and restaurants on Fridays and Saturdays coming into effect on Friday night, Bangalore residents appeared to be warming up on the first day of the increased happy hours.

Confusion among bar owners and lack of awareness among public, however, led to mixed response even while revelers toasted the new found nightlife.

The city saw good number of bars closed after 11 pm, while a few remained opened as owners were in a state of confusion about the relaxation on not having received the government order.

Similar was the case with public, as many returned home by midnight unaware of the deadline extension. Those bars which remained open hoping for good turnout of customers did not see response near the expected mark.

Bar owners expect the trend to change in the weeks to come as people get to know about the extended hours for night life in the city, with many of them resorting to sending text messages to their regular customers to spread awareness.

Police also geared up for the new situation, keeping an eye on revelers and stepping up patrols, with a senior police official also indicating that checks on drunk driving may also be extended till 2 am.

The state government had recently extended the deadline for night life from 11 pm till 1 am for bar and restaurants on Fridays and Saturdays while stating that the revised timing would be applicable to eateries on all days.

Announcing the decision Home Minister KJ George had said that there were both demand and opposition to the proposal, but the decision was taken after consulting stakeholders like police, tourism and excise departments and the rule would be reviewed after three months.